Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist independently performs a comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of the level of functions and carries out the appropriate therapy to teach new or compensating skills to optimize patient performance on his/her roles. Work is done independently, with general supervision and performance evaluated by outcomes. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity to enhance safety, wellness and performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure and social participation. Uses standard and non-standard evaluation procedures and advanced techniques to obtain information about patient's impairment, activity limitations, participation restrictions, strengths and barriers. Adapts assessment tools to the complexity of the diagnosis and identify the need for further depth specific assessment.
• Develops and implements independently, an individualized treatment program based on patients' goals, evaluation findings, physician recommendations, person potential to benefit and intended discharge environment.
• Collaborates with the treatment team by interpreting assessments predicted outcomes and rehabilitation needs for establishing or modifying treatment goals and discharge plans.
• Assesses educational needs of patients and caregivers and meets those considering physical/mental capabilities, cultural and behavioral variables.
• Orients patients and family or caregiver on assessment findings and treatment plan to involve them in the total rehabilitation management of the person. Education will be documented to keep track, and reinforce education as needed.
• Performs assessment for wheelchair(s) (manual, motorized and/or sports) and configuration cushion assessment and provides adequate positioning which is important in spinal cord injury person(s) served.
• Uses judgment knowledge and skills to provide advanced treatment modalities that may include, but not to be limited to: task-oriented activities, creative media, games, computers and vocational and/or psyco-educational exercises are used, also. Complements treatment program with the application of mobilization, sensory integration and neuro-developmental techniques.
• Recommends and/or fabricates and applies orthotic/prosthetic appliances, self-help devices and electronic aids to enhance daily living skills.
• Evaluates discharge environment (home and/or employment site) to recommend changes or modifications that will facilitate function of patient to be successful in his/her roles. Consider architectural attitudinal, communication, employment and any other barrier affecting outcomes.
• Re-evaluates person served at appropriate intervals and updates treatment plan and goals accordingly, to promote the skills necessary to be successful in next environment of care. Documents at the beginning, during interdisciplinary rounds and at the end of every admission.
• Documents in the medical record all treatments interventions, as required by policies and procedures of Service and accrediting bodies.
• Responsible for utilizing appropriate protective equipment when needed, observing safety measures always and participation in drills.
• Always enforces confidentiality of patient and employee's information.
• Employee meets national and agency safety/infection control standards for OSHA, CARF and TJC.
• Actively participates in SCI Adaptive Sports Clinic assisting in the rehabilitation of person(s) served and in the preparation for their participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
• Incumbent has an active relationship with the Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Attending Physicians, Resident Physicians and Staff Physicians to include open communication and participation in case discussions

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am- 4:30pm. May include some evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call duties (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 62605F 61624F 60185F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized